3D Printing Workshop Returns for NPE2024: The Plastics Show

NPE2024: The Plastics Show is returning this year to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. In addition to more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and 2,000 exhibitors, the event focused on plastics processing will include a 3D Printing Workshop to be held from 1-5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Details and register.

This half-day immersive workshop is hosted by Additive Manufacturing Media in collaboration with sister brands Plastics Technology and MoldMaking Technology. The workshop will conclude with a 3D Printing Industry Reception sponsored by AM Media. 

Time and Location

The 3D Printing Workshop at NPE2024 takes place Wednesday, May 8, from 1-5 p.m. in Room S320 (South Concourse, Level 3). 

Tickets

Tickets are available through NPE.org (separate registration is required to attend the 3D Printing Workshop). 

Topics

The programming covers a variety of ways that plastics processors can benefit from the use of 3D printing, from faster mold development through metal 3D printing through the application of polymer processes to directly produce parts for bridge and full-scale production. Speakers span multiple industries including aerospace, medical and consumer goods, and represent companies including OEMs, moldmakers and large-scale contract manufacturers.

Agenda

The preliminary workshop agenda is listed below:

• Plastic 3D Printing vs. Injection Molding: Making the Best Choice
  Greg Paulsen of contract manufacturer Xometry will address the question of when to opt for plastic 3D printing over injection molding. 
• Qualification of B-Basis Design Allowables for FGF Process for Conducting PEKK for Large Aerospace Structures
  Si Chen and Javed Mapkar of Eaton will cover the qualification process for large-scale 3D printed aerospace parts ranging to 6 feet tall printed from nanocomposite-based PEKK the company developed internally.
• From 1 to 1 Million Parts: How Merit3D Is Helping Additive Manufacturing Evolve Into Mass Production
  Spencer Loveless of Merit3D will speak to the reasons 3D printing is now a viable solution for mass production, and share a case study detailing how the company delivered its first order of 1 million 3D printed parts. 
• From Part ID to Quality Mass Production
  David Baker from Endeavor3D will share how the company processes parts from the initial identification of an opportunity for additive manufacturing, all the way through part qualification and user acceptance. 
• Automating Toolmaking with Metal 3D Printing
  Ted Sorom from technology developer Mantle will explore the metal 3D printing landscape for injection mold tooling and share examples of how injection molders, OEMs and tool shops are automating their toolmaking with the company’s Trueshape metal 3D printing process. 
• Understanding the Value of AM’s Bridge Production Opportunity
  Andrew Roderick from Extol will speak to the use of 3D printing to “bridge” production from concept to mold, or in the event of a supply chain disruption, and share keys to develop successful applications. 
• Bridging Medical Product Development to Production with 3D Printed Tooling
  Michael Belmont from moldmaker Westminster Tool will share how the company used metal additive manufacturing to quickly produce H13-equivalent mold cavities for biocompatibility and functional testing.